Do you ever find yourself staring at a brightly coloured, spiky fruit that you’ve never seen before in your local supermarket? Pondering how to eat it, whether it’s ripe or not, and if it’s even worth the investment? Well, fear not! We’ve teamed up with the experts at Dream Fruits to answer all your burning questions about exotic fruits. Dream Fruits is a team of experienced exotic fruit enthusiasts who pride themselves on bringing the world’s most extraordinary fruits direct to your door. With their expertise and our knowledge, it’s time to reveal the secrets of the most mysterious fruits in the world.

What are exotic fruits, and which fruits are considered exotic?
Exotic fruits are defined as non-native and rare fruits that are not commonly found in your local supermarket. However, the definition of exotic is subjective and varies from person to person. Some fruits widely considered exotic are dragon fruit, durian, rambutan, mangosteen and kiwano. Dream Fruits has an extensive range of exotic fruits that you may have never even heard of, such as Buddha’s Hand Citron, Finger Lime and Jabuticaba.

How do you know if an exotic fruit is ripe?
Contrary to popular belief, exotic fruits are not always brightly coloured when ripe. You need to look out for subtle changes in texture or smell. A good way to tell if a fruit is ripe is to gently squeeze it, and if it yields slightly, then it’s ready to eat. For example, when dragon fruit is ripe, it will have a mild sweet scent, and its scales will have a slight give when you press them. Dream Fruits' exotic fruits are carefully selected only when they are perfectly ripe and ready to eat.

Can exotic fruits be cooked or used in recipes?
Absolutely! Exotic fruits can be used in sweet or savoury dishes or even enjoyed on their own. For example, you can use passionfruit to make a tangy dessert sauce, or add star fruit to a tropical salad. Dream Fruits website has a recipe section, and their team will be happy to assist with any questions.

Are exotic fruits expensive, and where can I find them?
Exotic fruits can be more expensive than commonly found fruits, mainly due to their scarcity and long-distance travel. However, that's where Dream Fruits specialise, and they work hard to create packages that are practical and affordable. A vast array of exotic fruits can be delivered right to your doorstep through their online store, removing the need to hunt for them in local shops.

Are exotic fruits healthy, and what nutrients do they provide?
Exotic fruits are not only delicious but also packed with essential minerals, vitamins and antioxidants that our bodies need to function correctly. For example, papayas are rich in Vitamin C, while lychees contain Vitamin B6. Mangosteens and Durians are a great source of dietary fibre. Dream Fruits team are happy to talk about the health benefits of specific fruits in their descriptions.